ARIZONA NEWS

Wood burning banned in metro Phoenix due to soot in air

Dec 25, 2020, 10:15 AM | Updated: 1:05 pm

(Pixabay Photo)...

(Pixabay Photo)

(Pixabay Photo)

PHOENIX (AP) — Maricopa County has ordered restrictions that include a prohibition on burning wood in residential fireplaces and in outdoor fire pits and chimineas after state environmental regulators extended a high pollution advisory through Saturday due to elevated levels of soot in the air.

The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality recommended that the general public limited outdoor activity while the advisory was in effect, especially people with respiratory problems.

The county Air Quality Department said its “No Burn Day” declaration Thursday banning the burning of wood outdoors also applies to hotels, restaurants and holders of permits for open burning.

The department said the declaration also prohibits use of off-road vehicles and use of leaf blowers on government properties.

According to the department, people with heart or lung diseases, older adults, and children are most likely to be affected by particle pollution due to effects on the respiratory tract.

Short-term health effects can include eye, nose, throat, and lung irritation, coughing, sneezing, runny nose, and shortness of breath, and exposure to fine particles can also affect lung function and worsen medical conditions such as asthma and heart disease, the department said.

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Pass it along to the KTAR News team here.

Arizona News

Cactus Park Precinct...

KTAR.com

Weekend wrap-up: Here are the biggest Arizona stories from Dec. 8-10

Here are some of the biggest stories that headlined the Arizona news cycle over the weekend from Dec. 8-10.

3 hours ago

Members of the U.S. Border Patrol and U.S. Customs and Border Protection organize a group of migran...

Associated Press

Smugglers are bringing migrants to a remote Arizona border crossing, overwhelming US agents

With migrants crossing daily, the U.S. shut down the nearby crossing near Lukeville to free up officers to help with transportation.

5 hours ago

Kris Mayes, Arizona Attorney General...

KTAR.com

Arizona Attorney General Mayes launches investigation into gift card cloning

Arizona AG Kris Mayes launched an investigation into an organized retail theft scheme, his office announced Friday.

7 hours ago

James Osgood, Silver Alert...

KTAR.com

Silver Alert issued for 67-year-old man in Phoenix

The Arizona Department of Safety issued a Silver Alert for 67-year-old James Osgood, who went missing on Sunday.

7 hours ago

(Facebook Photo/Phoenix Police Department, file)...

KTAR.com

Police identify teen boy who died after shooting in central Phoenix

A teenage boy who was shot and later died in central Phoenix on Saturday afternoon has been identified, according to Phoenix Police. 

12 hours ago

Solar panels...

Damon Allred

Gila River Indian Community to receive solar panels over canals

The Biden-Harris Administration will give $5.65 million to construct and install solar panels over the Casa Blanca Canal.

15 hours ago

Sponsored Articles

Follow @KTAR923...

West Hunsaker at Morris Hall supports Make-A-Wish Foundation in Arizona

KTAR's Community Spotlight this month focuses on Morris Hall and its commitment to supporting the Make-A-Wish Foundation in Arizona.

...

Desert Institute for Spine Care

Desert Institute for Spine Care (DISC) wants to help Valley residents address back, neck issues through awake spine surgery

As the weather begins to change, those with back issues can no longer rely on the dry heat to aid their backs. That's where DISC comes in.

...

SCHWARTZ LASER EYE CENTER

Key dates for Arizona sports fans to look forward to this fall

Fall brings new beginnings in different ways for Arizona’s professional sports teams like the Cardinals and Coyotes.

Wood burning banned in metro Phoenix due to soot in air